Definition

If you've had a spinal cord injury and you use a mechanical ventilator, you may benefit from diaphragm pacing to help improve your breathing and potentially stop your dependence on a mechanical ventilator.

A diaphragm pacing system is a lightweight, battery-powered electronic pacing system that electrically stimulates your diaphragm muscles and nerves. This causes your diaphragm to contract so that air is pulled into your lungs and you can breathe in a more normal fashion, potentially without the use of a mechanical ventilator or other assisted breathing device.

Posluszny JA, et al. Multicenter review of diaphragm pacing in spinal cord injury: Successful not only in weaning from ventilators but also in bridging to independent respiration. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2014;76:303.

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